IDEAS

We are lucky to live in St. Louis! T.S. Eliot Memorial and Literary Arts Creative Incubation Center

Submitted By:
Benjamin J. Siders
on 05.09.13

Benjamin J. Siders

"It is self-evident that St. Louis affected me more deeply than any other environment has ever done. I feel that there is something in having passed one's childhood beside the big river, which is incommunicable to those people who have not. I consider myself fortunate to have been born here, rather than in Boston, or New York, or London." - T.S. Eliot.
Eliot is one of St. Louis's most famous sons and yet there is little recognition of his contributions to the American literary arts in St. Louis. It's about time we change that.

One of America's most prominent and accomplished poets grew up as a sickly youth in St. Louis, and his creative genius is derived from that experience.
I propose a memorial to T.S. Eliot and his body of work coupled with a general museum dedicated to the St. Louis literary arts, including a lounge/coffee/drink area for weekly poetry reading, open mic sessions, creative writing workshops, and help on self-publishing and/or getting hooked up with a literary agent. Other ideas include an annual scholarship to one St. Louis-area student majoring in the literary arts, an annual publication of the best works developed through the center, annual awards, etc.
Not only would we highlight Eliot's connection to St. Louis, but we would simultaneously promote the liberal arts in St. Louis by encouraging and recognizing the work done here.

I love the ideas in this post and agree that T. S. Eliot is much too under-celebrated here. I was happy to see that someone put a 250-years celebration cake by his birthplace plaque though. It'd be great if the original poster or interested parties could contact each other: send an email via gmail to IVquartets

Something like this in the Central West End would be a great idea. I'm working with a few folks to open a co-working center here and this component could be a great addition! Would love to talk more - any contact information? Thanks, Eric

"It is self-evident that St. Louis affected me more deeply than any other environment has ever done. I feel that there is something in having passed one's childhood beside the big river, which is incommunicable to those people who have not. I consider myself fortunate to have been born here, rather than in Boston, or New York, or London." - T.S. Eliot.
Eliot is one of St. Louis's most famous sons and yet there is little recognition of his contributions to the American literary arts in St. Louis. It's about time we change that.